So why exactly do I love the Cornish life quite so much? Find out below:

1. The Beaches

^ Gylly Beach in Falmouth – voted our top fave beach!

A totally original reason, I know, but how could I not include this? As you’ll know, Cornwall is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the country, so if you’re a sand/sea/watersports lover like myself it is the best place ever!

2. The Community Culture

I’ve never seen a community quite like Cornwall’s in any other part of England. It’s not just the fact that everyone seems to know or be related to everybody else (let the jokes ensue), it’s the sense of neighbourly love from everyone you meet.

It’s like being part of a really big, open club, where everyone’s like “Ahh, you live and work in this tiny, isolated county too? Then we must support each other like there’s no tomorrow!“. And our recently granted ‘minority status’ just makes this tight-knit community tighter!

There are always so many events and festivals going on throughout Cornwall; I usually use the What’s On page on VisitCornwall or go through Facebook local events to keep up to date.

3. The Countryside

There are many beautiful areas of countryside around the UK, from the National Parks to the Scottish highlands, and we are lucky that Cornwall is one of those places with a huge amount to offer! We have more National Trust/Heritage sites than I can count on two hands, and each one is stunning in its own unique way.

4. Family

One of the reasons I bought a house in Cornwall was because my close family live here too, and that’s really important to me. It’s also a fantastic place to bring up a family if that’s where you are in your life, and I know this first-hand having been lucky enough to spend my own childhood here.

Stevie from A Cornish Mum regularly writes about what it’s like having children in Cornwall, and great places and things to do with the kids!

5. The Relaxed Atmosphere

I don’t want people to think that Cornish people don’t work as hard as others because they’re always ‘out surfing’ etc. because that simply isn’t true. People here work just as hard, but the workplace atmosphere is (in many cases!) much more flexible and friendly.

Many companies in Cornwall have ‘flexi-time’, because they understand that allowing them to leave 3pm to making the most of the sunshine with a beach BBQ or river kayak is fine as long as their work gets done! Living in Cornwall is their motivation, so why deny them that?

6. The Importance Placed on Sustainability

Because nature and wildlife are such a huge part of every day life here, everyone really cares about protecting the environment. Villages get together on a regular basis to do local beach cleans and conservation, and there are many different charities set up to protect our woodland and our waters. I am a Surfers Against Sewage member as I think they do great things to help clean up our oceans!

8. The Independent and Small Businesses

The ‘relaxed atmosphere’ mentioned above not only comes from the location, but also the size of the companies. Don’t get me wrong, there are some big, internationally successful businesses based here, but the majority you’ll find in Cornwall are small or independent companies who support each other and enjoy the small, family feel.

It feels like there are so many entrepreneurs and start-ups in Cornwall at the moment too, which is really exciting to be a part of!

9. The Living Expenses & House Prices

Now I’m not saying that Cornwall is the cheapest place to live in England (there are some extremely expensive areas here!), but compared to London or inner city living, it’s pretty good value! This is also reflected in Cornish salaries, but again, people usually come here for the atmosphere and work/life balance, not to become billionaires.

10. The Pasties!

Okay, yes, Cornish people get pretty weird when it comes to pasties – I mean, we have a Cornish Pasty Association that campaigned for nine years to give Cornish pasties ‘Protected Geographical Indication’ status! That’s pretty obsessive…

But Damn it, they’re so good.

Please note that I did not write this to start arguments on whose county is the best (even though we are definitely better than Devon), but I would still love to hear why you love where you live too!

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Comments

This is funny because I grew up and now live in Devon, but holidayed every year and spent 3 years living in Cornwall so both tear at my heart strings and overall I do prefer Cornwall. Though I couldn’t figure what job I could have when I graduated as the opportunities are less the further down the country you get, plus it takes a LONG time to get anywhere on public transport. BUT oh my, the pasties and beaches!! Alice xxx

Ah yes – the public transport situation is a definite con! I haven’t personally had a problem with opportunities for jobs and careers, but that might just be the area I work in; I know it can be difficult with more niche paths.
Devon is a really beautiful place too – my grandma lives in Dartmoor so I’ve always visited several times a year! x

I live in Suffolk because it is where I grew up and I love the countryside, being near the sea and my family. Even though I’m used to living near the sea when I visited Cornwall a few weeks ago a smile spread across my face every time I saw it. The colour of the water is beautiful, much better than the grey I get at home! I would love to go back with my walking boots and do more coastal walks. The only one I managed while away was from Lands End to Sennen Cove.

I’ve never been to Cornwall before (heck, I’ve never been to UK before) but I love how you talk about it. The relaxed atmosphere, the calmness, and the people. It sounds like such a beautiful place to live in <3

Hi Anna, I had fun reading your reasons for living in Cornwall. My husband is from Cornwall, I’m originally from Brazil, but we live in Surrey. My husband would love to move to Cornwall, his family is there too, but I’m the one who is unsure – scared of the unknown I guess. We have two young children, so it would be great for them. Reading your blog is definitely making me rethink things, thank you x

Hi Fernanda, I’m so glad you’re finding my blog useful for your decision! It must be very difficult to make the decision to uproot your family to somewhere new, but if you have the security of work down and here and plenty of family to support you it does make the whole process much easier!
Cornwall is an amazing place to bring up children, and a great place to find a work/life balance if that’s what you’re after. If you’re used to a city or busy towns it can be a bit of a culture shock coming here, but there is definitely plenty to do to keep your occupied!
x

Hi Anna. We live in London and have decided to bring our children up in Cornwall, as we want them to breathe cleaner air and have a more outdoors upbringing (I grew up in Scotland, but that’s too chilly for me these days)! Anyway, whenever we speak of our plan re. Cornwall, Truro or Falmouth is our plan, to anyone, they think we’re mad, telling us that it’s so far away and a bit of a gamble!. We have a good amount of money from our London House, and can both work from home. As a Cornwall expert, what would your advice be? Many thanks in advance, if you can provide insight!

Hey! What a fantastic choice; Cornwall is the perfect place to bring up your children. It’s a gamble that I’m sure you will find is worth it for the lifestyle, especially if you’re able to work from home. Falmouth was recently voted one of the best places to live in the whole of the UK, and it’s definitely my personal favourite too (I would move there myself if I could afford it!). I’m not sure I can give you much advice other than that I think it’s a great choice! Come and visit with your family and explore the lesser-visited areas like the Roseland and the Lizard to experience truly rural, peaceful Cornwall x

Hi Anna, thank you so much for replying with some recommendations, that’s jolly kind :)! We will be visiting very soon and are fast coming to the conclusion that Cornwall really is the place for our family – and we’d have one very happy Pyrenean Mountain Dog as well!! Best wishes and thanks again x

I’m in the US and have fallen in love with Port Isaac via Doc Martin. Granted, reality is nothing like the show, but the scenery is real, and that is what appeals to me. Plus, the small town feel is wonderful.

It’s impossible to Google Port Isaac and get accurate, UTD info. I think I have found THE source, tho.

A move there is not out of the realm of ideas, but I would enjoy and appreciate more details about the area!

It’s nice to see your passion for Cornwall. My dad is from Devon and we spent many childhood holidays in Cornwall.
I’m living in the Philippines with my wife and 2 year old daughter but want to come back to the UK.
My family is spread out all over the place so no real ties to one area.
I love the countryside and wildlife (I’m a photographer) and Cornwall really appeals. My only concern is if it might be too remote for my wife. I know I and my daughter would love it though.

I would really appreciate a couple of pointers on areas that may be suitable to bring up a young family, so decent schooling, lots to do and of course beautiful scenery.

Hi Anna. Just discovered your blog, and have already fallen in love with it. I’m a Franco-American currently living in the outskirts of Lyon, France, and am very strongly considering moving to Cornwall. I cannot say what it is about Cornwall that first drew my attention, but I am very close to nature, and love the ocean, although I’ve never lived by it. I have so many hesitations with moving to England, but I have a feeling it could be a great move for me. The main worry I have is financial — not having much savings, I wonder if I could find a job fairly quickly in Cornwall (I’m definitely attracted to South Cornwall, but am not set on one specific place) being an American citizen. I also have French citizenship, but with Brexit, not sure if that’s a plus. I guess my question for you is: is it realistic for a single, semi-broke but motivated person who knows absolutely nobody in Cornwall to make the jump across the English Channel? My gut tells me yes, but my reason… well, you know. Thank you in advance for any tips or advice you have. And many thanks for your lovely blog. :)